FANS have selected two pivotal choices made by Gareth Southgate in route to leading England to the Euro final.
Ollie Watkins, an England substitute who entered the game in the 81st minute, ended up winning the match.
The Aston Villa striker was set up by fellow replacement Cole Palmer, and he smashed his opportunity.
Watkins received the ball with his back to the goal, rapidly spun around, and fired into the lower left corner.
4Ollie Watkins scored England’s last minute winner from the bench tonightCredit: AP
He was set up by fellow sub Cole Palmer
Southgate was attacked for his slow substitution strategy during the tournament, but he executed them flawlessly tonight.
Luke Shaw replaced Kieran Trippier at halftime tonight, then in the 81st minute, Watkins and Palmer replaced Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, respectively, and made significant contributions.
Another pivotal moment in the round of 16 matchup against Slovakia, according to supporters, was the choice to substitute Ivan Toney after 94 minutes.
Ivan Toney set up Harry Kane’s winner against Slovakia in the round of 16Credit: Rex
Southgate was hailed for his subs tonight
He was involved in Jude Bellingham’s famous bicycle kick assist by Marc Guehi, and in extra time, he set up Kane for the winner.
Following England’s second straight Euro final victory tonight, supporters on X have been renouncing their criticism of Southate’s substitutions and tactics.
Someone stated: “Whatever people say about Southgate, he brought on Toney who assisted Kane’s winner, tonight he brought on Palmer and Watkins who combined for the winner.”
“Everything was executed well, from the strategic arrangement to the scheduling of the replacements. It takes a big bottle to remove your leader, but the Three Lions benefited from it.”
Another said, “Na England actually balled today.. fair play to Southgate.” A third disagreed.
A fourth commented, however, saying, “A bit of bravery to take off Kane and Watkins came up trumps with a cracking finish. First half excellent, second half average.”
“I’m as big a Southgate critic as most, but you can’t take it away from him or the team tonight, we’ve made the final, terrific effort.”
On Sunday, England and Spain will compete in the Euro 2024 final.